Pakistan’s 33-day Hajj flight operation begins tomorrow (Tuesday), with six flights scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia, according to state media.
This year’s pilgrimage is set for June, with nearly 89,000 Pakistanis traveling under the government scheme and another 23,620 using private tour operators.
Radio Pakistan reported that the inaugural day will see two flights from Lahore and one each from Islamabad, Karachi, Quetta, and Multan. In total, 342 flights will transport government-sponsored pilgrims to Makkah and Madinah, with the final flight departing on May 31.
Approximately 50,500 Pakistani pilgrims will benefit from Saudi Arabia’s Makkah Route Initiative, which streamlines pre-departure immigration procedures.
Launched in 2019, the initiative allows pilgrims to complete Saudi immigration at their home airports, enabling faster entry upon arrival. It currently operates in Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, and Bangladesh.
Under this initiative, 28,000 pilgrims will fly from Islamabad and 22,500 from Karachi.
Though official global numbers are yet to be confirmed, Hajj 2025 is expected to set a new record, with over 2.5 million Muslims anticipated to perform the pilgrimage.
